Working with Black in Watercolor: Make Stunning Darkest Darks

I want to share a few strategies for working with dark values in watercolor. Sometimes the large dark areas can look flat and boring in a painting, but with watercolor we have many options for adding interest to a large passage of dark color. In this video I share an exercise for practicing dark values and patterns as well as an imaginative landscape that starts with a creative dark stroke and draws out from there.
Thanks to Paul Wang for his inspiring Instagram account!
‪@paulwangsg‬ on KZbin. The post I'm referring to in this video was from July 11, 2022 on Instagram. / paulwang_sg
This video was originally created for students in my online watercolor course: Heart-Led Landscapes in Watercolor. This course is available for enrollment and includes 12 bonus lessons in addition to the content-packed course that will help you create more expression in your watercolor landscape paintings. Enroll here: learn.angelafe...
Supplies Mentioned in this Video: (some links are affiliate links and I earn a small commission when you purchase. Thank you!)
‪@DANIELSMITHArtistColor‬ Watercolors: Moonglow, Indanthrone Blue, Quinacridone Sienna, Phthalo Turquoise, Cobalt Teal Blue, Phthalo Yellow Green, Ultramarine - shop at Blick Art Materials: bit.ly/3G1WBZZ
Sennelier: Neutral Tint - bit.ly/3CY5uEj
Schmincke Manganese Violet - bit.ly/33Pm9Xl
Paper: ‪@Hahnemuehle‬ The Collection Cold Press 300 gsm
bit.ly/444JdAR
Brush: Lebenzon Paintbrushes, 1.5 inch medium Goat/Synthetic wangi brush, use code ANGELA to get this month's discount! bit.ly/3oXLOsq

[@rebeccalyons1327]

Thanks Angela for this whole month! I would love a video about having the foreground and middle ground not looking like it’s all uphill. I guess a video about perspective but from your point of view and experience with a loose style.

[@vespa4jen]

Angela, your comments and demos are so wonderful! This abstract you did at the end is so beautiful. I love how you kept so much white, and that you really trust your intuition.

[@bummer23]

I loooooove your comment that if a painting does your heart good, it is worthwhile. Yesssss!

[@juliehopkins5784]

A p.s. how you described children when they paint resonated with me, my grandchildren do exactly that and I adore watching them whilst they are painting. ❤

[@taylordonaldson490]

Hi Angela, this was so well presented! You are always so genuine and open with sharing your thoughts and your art! Once again, I gained special nuggets to go forward with. Loved the painting too; as a viewer, these few minutes from you gave me "heart value". I will carry that phrase with me. Thank you. Taylor

[@mariagiombarrese9877]

Thank you for a great session. I always have trouble with darks & seeing different ways to attain that goal was very interesting. Thank you also for the reminder to play. I get hung up sometimes 7 frustrated that each painting is not "show-worthy". It's great seeing you have such fun!

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

I think play is sooooo important. It's where we learn the most. Thank you for reinforcing this message.

[@galenandronis5513]

Are the instructor/ mentor I've been looking for. This brief class was so profoundly helpful. I will be practicing this 'til. I really get it. Thank you😊

[@brendareed5050]

Paintings that bring you alot of heart value and joy are probably best not shared with others unless you are a person who does not loose their joy if someone should make a unthoughtful comment. I really enjoyed hearing this topic while watching your art process.

[@leilaskye8143]

Thank you again reminding me that watercolour can look good in an abstract idea. Thank you.

[@josinawashington6744]

Wonderful. Art brings joy to my life❤ I love your videos and how much you inspire us. Thank you❤

[@jenninemidkiff783]

Loved this video. ❤️ Thank you so much for the inspiration.

[@nancytipton2640]

Wonderful dark color mixing…we need to “play” with color often. Thank you for sharing.😊

[@juliehopkins5784]

Thank you Angela. I like how you have named Scrappy. I love the marks the brush makes. ❤

[@marlenaamalfitano2727]

So helpful and encouraging. Thank you

[@jacquelinemeloche9375]

Bonjour Angela, Thank you for another intéresting video, such a creative process. I like your painting. Have a wonderful day.

[@anneadamczewski4187]

Fabulous, I love your teaching style. Thank you so much Angela 🙌👏

[@carolesemkowich7200]

I just love this approach to watercolour! (If only I was brave enough to try - oh, I will, one of these days!) Your videos are getting me there ...

[@IslandGirl755]

Thank u Angela the tips you gave was fantastic, I especially loves the mix of Indanthrone Blue and Q. Sienna, two of my favourite colours. I need to get Aussie red gold.

[@angelfehr]

It's a favourite of mine!

[@Calme1918]

I'm a new viewer, love your style. So important to play with your paints.

[@NATUREDRAWINGS]

Interesting explanations, beautiful color exercises.

[@Wildfire.Creative]

Thank you! This video really helped me ❤

[@angelfehr]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@followyourbrush]

I’m finally learning to embrace my value studies. 😮 😂❤

[@lindaruss3772]

Angela, is there a video of the painting with the red background and black foreground! I So needed this tute on black/darks. I WANT to paint darker, but I guess I’m a bit scared? Great video. Thank you!

[@angelfehr]

No, it was actually painted during a photography branding session but in the April lessons in the Heart-Led Artist Journey, I am teaching on contrast with a similar subject and lots of rich darks. It might be helpful! www.heartledartist.com

[@delphinewood7519]

Soooo helpful! Thanks!!

[@sandradonofrio413]

Go for joy!

[@renmuffett]

Awe yes, lovely Moonglow by Daniel Smith. It doesn't have a Quinacridone Rose pigment in it. It's Anthraquinone red PR177 that's much more like an Alizarin shade. But so easy to make with any cool red pigment like you often do. Most neutral tint brands are made with a black pigment just like most Sepia, Payne's Gray as well as some Indigo. Thanks for sharing. Love your videos.

[@cherigreen4471]

What a beautiful thing to say “heart value”! ❤😊🥰

[@larrymisiak915]

Bad rectangles! Very good demonstration, as usual.

[@jessiehollaway1186]

I just love the abstract piece you did at the end. Did you wet the paper first before applying the neutral tint? I don't have any neutral tint so I was wondering if india ink would work. It moves until it dries. Really love the free form look of this piece. Thank you so much for all these informative videos.

[@angelfehr]

It might be worth a try! India ink has varnish in it, I think, so it might dry kind of glossy.

[@jessiehollaway1186]

@@angelfehr I gave it a try and I absolutely love the results. I have ordered some of the neutral tint. I should have it in a couple of days. Thank you so much for everything.

[@carolatchley3797]

Hi Angela, you often use a DS senarious (scenarius) blue. I've googled, but cannot find it. Could you tell me how it's really spelled and where I can find it? Can you show it as a pure color rather than mixed? Thanks!

[@renmuffett]

Daniel Smith doesn't make a Cinereous Blue but Sennelier does. Angela does sometimes use different brands of watercolor paint if she likes it. (Sennelier) Cinereous Blue is made with Phthalo blue, PB15.3 and white and is a close hue to real Cerulean Blue.

[@carolatchley3797]

@@renmuffett thank you so much!

[@angelfehr]

Yes, Renee is correct, Cinereous Blue is from Sennelier.

[@patriciasell]

ANGELA, do you still have your 18 fav. Colors from yrs ago or have they changed? Pls let your loyal followers know. Thx!!!❤❤❤

[@angelfehr]

Yes, I do still have an 18 colour Daniel Smith dot card.

[@paintingtracey]

Actually very few oil painters use black, just sayin. Fun video!

[@lekhajr6124]

❤